Recorded February 28, 2026 Photo: Liora I caught up with Josh Neirman, a son of the Upper Valley, inDC when I was there for the JStreet Convention in late February. A fellow advocate for open conversation and diverse perspectives, it was a pleasure to connect with him and hear about his journey. Josh is working with young people here and in Israel who are struggling to find community and “Jewish joy”. His commitment to dialog and expanding the boundaries of what’s acceptable is clear from thisconversation (and these extensive notes). Notes: Roth Center for Jewish Life on the campus of Dartmouth College which houses the Upper Valley Jewish Community (UVJC). See also Season 3, Episode 2, Miki Hertog-Raz for a conversation with another UVJC bar mitzvah.Birthright Foundation: Founded to help give Jewish young adults the gift of a transformational and educational trip to Israel. See also Season 1, Episode 2, Daniel Intraub. Vermont Students for Israel, and the campus socialist organization mentioned by Josh appear to be no longer active.Stand With Us: “Our mission is to fight antisemitism, educate about Israel, empower others to inform their communities, and foster reasonable, informed discussions on campuses and in communities worldwide about Israel’s history, policies, and humanitarian work.”Hasbara Fellowships: “Hasbara (Hebrew: הַסְבָּרָה) is the public diplomacy of Israel.” True to its name, the fellowships “inspire, empower and connect our community of Jewish and Pro-Israel student activists.’ Arava Institute for Environmental Studies: From the website: “Together, we can build a more peaceful and environmentally sustainable future for the Middle East and the world.” Check out their reports and support for Jumpstarting Hope in Gaza, Palestinian-led, on the ground support. B’Tselem: Named after Genesis 1:27: “And God created humankind in His image. In the image of God did He create them.” Since 1989, the organization has “been documenting, researching and publishing statistics, testimonies, video footage, position papers and reports on human rights violations committed by Israel in theOccupied Territories.” Their film Raj’in (We Shall Return) has been accepted for screening at the Venice Film Festival, 2026. Avodah: “Avodah develops lifelong social justice leaders whose work is informed by Jewish values and who inspire the Jewish community to work toward a more just and equitable world.iCenter: Has closed its doors. Site has link to where the work continues and retains information on the mission, “to nurture in young Jews a meaningful bond with Israel and Israelis…”Mem Global (Moishe House): Is of and about young adults, “…creating a Jewish life that’s vibrant, authentic, and meaningful.” If Not Now per website, “…a movement of U.S. Jews organizing our community to end U.S. support for Israel's apartheid system and demand equality, justice, and a thriving future for all Palestinians and Israelis.” Jewish Voice for Peace: “… the largest progressive Jewish anti-Zionist organization in the world.” Link is tothe Vermont/New Hampshire chapter. See also Season2, Episode 4, conversation with Fran Miller. Resetting the Table: “…equips and activates leaders from all corners of American life to transform toxic political divides and build a shared future.”The People’s Supper: A bridge-building organization that “…offers wisdom for creating space to deepen relationships across difference.” This, according to a page from On Being with Krista Tippet (linked). For the Sake of Argument: “Harnessing the power of passionate disagreement”, a non-partisan educational initiative founded and directed by Abi Dauber Sterne and Robbie Gringras.
